Robotic Trash Cans from HTX Studio Turn Cleaning into High-Tech Game
- tech360.tv
- Jul 29, 2025
- 2 min read
Engineers at HTX Studio in China have developed robotic trash cans that chase and catch rubbish mid-air, transforming waste disposal into a display of engineering and creativity.
The smart bins are equipped with cameras and high-powered motors, allowing them to detect and intercept flying objects like paper balls, plastic bottles and food wrappers before they hit the ground.
The innovation addresses a common problem: cluttered workspaces despite the presence of bins. HTX’s solution was to make the bins mobile and intelligent.
Unlike earlier projects that used fixed sensors, HTX mounted cameras directly on the bins. This allows the bins to track airborne rubbish in real time and move quickly to catch it.
Each bin uses three motors and wheels to manoeuvre across the floor. Engineers trained a model to recognise common trash items and calculate their trajectories.
HTX created three versions of the robotic bin, each with unique features. One doubles as a floor-mopping cleaner and includes a display for playing rock-paper-scissors.
Another bin has a lid and voice function, taunting users with phrases like, “If you make it in, I’ll eat my lid!”
The third, called the Punishment Bin, adds a playful challenge. If a user misses, it may fire a soft dart or, with a laser pointer attachment, become a toy for cats.
All three bins can be controlled with a single remote and move together like a robotic squadron.
To automate emptying, HTX developed a heat-seal mega bin. Smaller bins approach it, and a clamp lifts their bag system, seals the full bag with heated wires, cuts it off and drops it into the mega bin. A new bag is then installed automatically.
LED strips on the studio floor guide the bins, with downward-facing cameras following the glowing paths. The effect is especially striking in the dark, giving the studio a “haunted” appearance, according to the team.
Charging is handled by a rotating hub with magnetic contacts, allowing the bins to recharge in sequence without manual battery swaps.
HTX Studio’s integration of cameras, motors, LEDs and charging systems showcases its expertise in robotics and automation.
HTX Studio in China created robotic bins that catch rubbish mid-air
Bins use cameras, motors and AI to track and intercept trash
Three versions include features like mopping, voice taunts and playful punishments
Source: TECHEBLOG
